Skinner
Spanning the World
Due to the extended drought in the region of the Panama Canal and the resulting low water levels in Gatun Lake, The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced a new DRAFT restriction of 44 ft effective April 30th, 2019. As a result, carriers have placed new weight restrictions on container bookings that transit the Canal...
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The Trump administration has once more threatened a new round of Section 301 tariffs on imported goods from Europe. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer proposed new tariffs on $11 billion in imports from European Union countries. Unlike previously announced tariffs on steel and goods from China, however, these are compensation for what the U.S. says...
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On April 3, President Trump issued a memorandum to help protect American consumers, manufacturers and factory workers from counterfeit goods. Escalated by the steep increase in e-commerce, the problems of fake merchandise would be addressed by the directive, which calls for a coordinated approach by the government and its agencies, together with private industry. Although...
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Still Need Convincing About the Value of Marine Cargo Insurance? Our recent news story regarding Marine Cargo Insurance, and the fire aboard the Yantian Express, generated a lot of interest and questions. When we quickly checked, we were surprised to learn that the vessel’s damaged cargo will continue to be unloaded in Freeport for the...
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In numerous rulings, Customs Headquarters has set forth the following as the legal basis for the “First Sale Rule”. The preferred method of appraisement is transaction value, which is defined as the “price actually paid or payable for the merchandise when sold for exportation to the United States” plus certain statutory additions. Customs presumes that...
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Our clients frequently ask us about the pros and cons of purchasing marine cargo insurance. It may be something you have debated yourself for your shipments. A recent event provides some real-world lessons that can help guide your decision. If you are in the international shipping business, you’ve probably heard about the fire on board...
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As an owner of a customs brokerage and freight forwarding firm, as well as being the President of the NYNJFFBA chapter, I’ve had a unique opportunity to witness the impact a national association can have on the things that matter most to me and to our company. Every day, the national organization speaks for me...
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The current government shutdown has caused a number of changes that may affect the import industry, as it has affected many others. During this period of uncertainty, Customs and Border Protection officials are holding weekly update calls with leaders of the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA). While there are some...
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